Two Ganado students are tentatively waiting to hear their results about their photos competing in the Photographic Society of America Youth Showcase, held in Las Vegas.
Senior Austin Parrott and junior Briley Clark were just honored at the Texas Youth Photography Showcase in New Braunfels, and their entries are among 400 others, high school students from 1A to 6A, that have made it to nationals.
Teacher and mentor, Sarah Ardner, said they entered the competition to give it a try: this is the first year they’ve tried out.
“It’s fairly new to Texas, it’s been nationwide, so the New Braunfels Art League started opening it,” Ardner said. “It’s been open state-wide for two years.”
Parrott’s category was Artist’s Choice, and the way his picture came together was quite perfect, in his own words. He was on assignment for a fall bonfire, complete with a parade.
“I was with a friend and his little sister was passing by in the parade,” Parrott explained.
“She gave peace signs and it settled right under the sun perfectly.”
Ardner said Parrott is invested in the ordinary things being beautiful, and most of his photography is about light. He’ll even photograph at night to find the effects of street lights on different objects.
“I like capturing memories and being able to keep the moment in place,” he said. “I like having every little bit of memory I can get from my photos.”
Clark’s photo was entered in the photojournalism category. Her picture is of a Maiden softball player running to first base. Clark was even quick enough to photo the girl floating in the air, and the bat she threw was still standing upright.
“I’ve always grown up with softball because my sister played it in college but I didn’t follow the same path. I started taking pictures of our softball team last year and they always get hyped,” Clark said. “As much as I like taking pictures of myself, I like taking pictures of other people too.”
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The students will find out their standings in the middle of May. Ardner said the competition is called nationals, but there’s international entries from students in South Africa.
“I’m just here to support and facilitate them, they are the ones who take initiative and tell us what they want,” Ardner said. “Austin cleans our cameras for us, they are really self-directed, which will lend itself to whatever path they choose.
“Part of what makes them really good photographers is that they’re really brave, they’re not afraid to put themselves out there,” she continued. “Some kids are intimidated walking around with a camera, but Briley has even gone into the opposing teams dugout to get the right angles. At the state level she wasn’t afraid to get out on the field at the University of Texas.”
Ardner also added that Parrott found a voice through photography: he recently was named student of the month and was accepted at Texas A&M University-Victoria. He plans on majoring in computer science, and he’s also building new worlds in the gaming arena with a friend.
Clark is actively involved in band, 4-H, One Act Play, the yearbook, and a co-captain on the new upcoming Ganado Arrowettes dance team.
Parrott is involved with FFA, welding, art, yearbook, and this is the fourth year he’s competed in VASE art.
“He took five photographs for VASE and medaled in them,” Ardner added. “Most of his pieces are sunsets.”
Austin is the son of Kim Parrott, and Briley is the daughter of Marsha Clark.
“Our community and school are really supportive and happy to have their assignments,” Ardner ended. “They welcome their initiative.”
